Lumosty is ready to run the race of her life when she tackles the Darley Classic.

Trainer Robert Smerdon says he could not have Lumosty in any better shape for her tilt at the $1 million sprint race at Flemington on Saturday.

The daughter of Fastnet Rock takes on established Group One sprinters Chautauqua, Buffering, Boban, Terravista and Srikandi in the 1200m dash with Smerdon not shying away from the contest.

A conservative trainer by nature, Smerdon said he would have preferred to run the mare against her own gender on Thursday but acceded to the request of owner Phil Sly to take on Group One company in an effort to improve her broodmare value.

"I reckon she'll go a career-best but whether that's good enough, I'm not sure," Smerdon said.

"She's been flying on the track at Sandown recently, running some brilliant times."

Lumosty is on the fourth line of betting at $10 behind Chautauqua the $1.65 favourite with Srikandi at $8 and last year's winner Terravista at $9.

Smerdon takes a line through Srikandi who Lumosty competed against in Queensland in assessing his mare's chances.

Srikandi was a last-start second to Chautauqua in the Group One Manikato Stakes at Moonee Valley on October 23.

"We went into the Stradbroke as favourite and Srikandi won the race," Smerdon said.

"We didn't have much luck in running and they've trialled against each other a couple of times and there wasn't much between them.

"I would never miss a race because of Srikandi and I think we're going as well as we've ever gone.

"I think we've got a chance in the race, but with Chautauqua, unless he has an off day, we're all running for the minor money."

While Smerdon is hoping the rain stays away for Lumosty and the Flemington track can improve on its heavy rating, he would prefer it to stay wet for Politeness in the Emirates Stakes.

The winner of the Group One Myer Stakes last Saturday, Politeness is adept in wet going and is a $10 chance in betting behind the $4.80 favourite Bow Creek.

Politeness drops from 57kg to 53kg on Saturday.

"I think the weight relief she gets under handicap conditions with the soft track, it improves her chances on the quick back-up," Smerdon said.